Here's what's on tap at Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando in 2019

For 20-years Disney’s Epcot has been entertaining visitors with their classic fireworks show IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, but Disney has decided it's time to say goodbye. Buzz60's Maria Mercedes Galuppo has more.
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In this artist’s concept rendering, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse invite guests to join in the new “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The party is part of Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration, which begins Jan. 18, 2019.(Photo: Disney)

Get ready for a little magic from the Magic Kingdom. Scratch that, a lot of magic.

Walt Disney World announced a new lineup of things to do and places to go come 2019. Fresh from this summer's opening of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the hotly anticipated Star Wars Land, the Orlando theme park resort shows no sign of slowing down.

New events are popping up at all four Disney parks.

“Whether you grew up with Mickey and Minnie, ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Cars’ or another classic story, you are going to love what all four of our theme parks have to offer in the coming year,” George Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a news release. “This will be a year when the entire family can re-live those memories, plus make new ones together – right here in the world’s premier family vacation destination … the place where dreams come true.”

The last few months of 2018 will be jam-packed for the House of Mouse as the Orlando theme park expands its entertainment roster next year.

Here's what's on tap at Walt Disney World for 2019:

Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration

The best part of this surprise celebration for Disney's first couple? A daily “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” aka parade from Main Street to Cinderella's Castle. The party continues in the castle with your favorite Disney characters and "Mickey Mouse Club" remixes.

The Mickey and Minnie party starts Jan. 18 at Magic Kingdom, complete with entertainment, merch and themed food and beverage.

Musical and movie moments

From Jan. 18 to Sept. 30 at Magic Kingdom, check out the Dapper Dans, Casey’s Corner piano player and surprise musical magical experiences around the park. Also sure to be fun? Mickey's "PhilHarMagic" and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, which will replace the Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

In this artist’s rendering, Edna Mode showcases some of her greatest super suit creations. Guests will be able to meet Edna Mode starting Jan. 18, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, as Pixar Place is transformed into a Metroville city block.(Photo: Disney)

Party with the Pixar Pals

When the 11-acre Toy Story Land opened in June at Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests got a taste of Andy's world — hanging out with the Slinky Dog, Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the gang.

As the park celebrates its 30-year anniversary May 1, plans are in the works for something incredible in the area dubbed "Pixar Place."

• From Jan. 18 to Sept. 30, Pixar Place will become a Municiberg city block from the "Incredibles" films. Expect appearances from super suit designer Edna Mode, Jack-Jack, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone.

• Starting Jan. 18, keep an eye out (get it?) for Sulley and Mike Wazowski of "Monsters Inc." A door to the monster world should open at Hollywood Studios.

"To infinity and beyond!" "Toy Story" star Tim Allen appeared at the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando on June 29, 2018. Video by Jennifer Sangalang and Tim Shortt, FLORIDA TODAY.
FLORIDA TODAY

In this artist’s rendering, Rafiki and Timon invite guests to join the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. Starting Jan. 18, 2019, guests can let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor on Discovery Island.(Photo: Disney)

Lion King

In 2019, Disney's "The Lion King" turns 25. From Jan. 18 to Sept. 30, guests can feel the love at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at the “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” with Simba, Timon and Rafiki.

Pandora

Pandora: The World of Avatar opened in 2017 at Animal Kingdom, but that doesn't mean Disney's done with the mystical land that boasts floating mountains and bioluminescent plantlife.

New offerings like the Rivers of Light nighttime show and twilight trek on Kilimanjaro Safaris give guests a new way to experience the park.

Epcot flower fest concerts

In 2019, Epcot celebrates the 25th anniversary of its iconic International Flower and Garden Festival. Typically running March to May, the next flower and garden fest is set for March 6 to June 3.

In addition to the grand topiaries and amazing Disneyesque flower displays, the flower fest's well-known for its live music, the Garden Rocks Concert Series, and its mini food festival.

Disney announced the concert series expanded to seven days, with three concerts a day. If you do the math, that's 270 concerts during the flower and garden fest.

Artists will showcase their talents during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, Jan. 18-Feb 25, 2019, at Walt Disney World Resort. The event combines visual, culinary and performing arts, including the Disney on Broadway Concert Series.(Photo: Steven Diaz/Disney)

Epcot arts fest

In 2017, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts made its debut.

In 2019, it returns Jan. 18 to Feb. 25, offering guests delectable eats, stunning art and live entertainment. Expect more music with the arts fest — Disney's Broadway Concert Series also expanded to seven days a week during the festival.

Shanghai Disneyland: Beauty and the Beast Broadway production (Opening date: Summer 2018): The resort’s Walt Disney Grand Theatre will welcome a Mandarin-language version of the long-running Broadway musical, “Beauty and the Beast.” The theater currently presents a Chinese production of “Lion King.” Disney

Walt Disney World: Caribbean Beach Resort transformation (Opening date: Fall 2018): One of Disney World's largest hotels, the Caribbean Beach Resort is undergoing a major remodeling. Among the new features will be a new, central registration area and re-imagined dining locations including a quick-service eatery, a table-service restaurant, and a poolside bar. Disney

Disneyland Resort: Star Wars- Galaxy’s Edge
(Opening date: Summer 2019): The 14-acre land now under construction will transport visitors to an intergalactic outpost. There they will be invited to pilot the Millennium Falcon and join sides in a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Joshua Sudock, Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort: Star Wars- Galaxy’s Edge
(Opening date: Summer 2019): Located on the planet Batuu, the name of the renegade village on the edge of the Star Wars galaxy will be Black Spire Outpost. Disney is promising that the area will be richly themed and highly interactive. Disney

Walt Disney World: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
(Opening date: Late fall 2019): A galaxy far, far away is on its way to Disney World as well as Disneyland, just a bit later in the year. Among the characters visitors will get to encounter in the Star Wars land will be Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and BB-8 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney

Walt Disney World: Disney Riviera Resort (Opening date: 2019): The 15th Disney Vacation Club resort will offer 300 accommodation units. To be located near Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the resort will include a rooftop restaurant that will afford views of the parks. Disney

Disneyland Paris Resort: New Lion King show
(Opening date: 2019): In a display of the, ahem, circle of life, one of Disney’s most popular and enduring films will inspire a new musical stage show. Since Disneyland Paris is multilingual, we're not sure what language the performers will use for the Lion King production (but “Hakuna Matata” should translate well into any dialect). Disney

Disneyland Resort: Super Hero-themed land based on "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Avengers," and "Iron Man" (Opening date: 2020): Disney California Adventure’s "a bug's land" will get squashed and replaced with attractions featuring characters from the Marvel Universe. It will include the existing Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout along with new rides based on Iron Man and the Avengers. Joshua Sudock, Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort: New Fantasyland expansion (Opening date: 2020): Additional attractions and other enhancements are on their way to the park’s Fantasyland. Among the additions will be a new indoor theater for live shows. Disney

Tokyo Disney Resort: Beauty and the Beast area
(Opening date: 2020): As part of the New Fantasyland expansion, guests will be able to ride aboard “enchanted dishes” and visit Beast’s castle. The Beauty and the Beast area will also include a themed restaurant and shop. Disney

Disneyland Paris Resort: Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel
(Opening date: 2020): The existing Hotel New York will get a superhero makeover courtesy of the Marvel Universe. Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Avengers, and other characters will inspire the décor and vibe in the lobby and throughout the hotel. Disney

Walt Disney World: Space-themed restaurant
(Opening date: Before 2021): To be located near Epcot‘s Mission: Space attraction, the yet-to-be-named table-service restaurant will transport patrons to an orbiting space station. Guests will be able to see the Earth below as they dine. Disney

Walt Disney World: Tron coaster (Opening date: 2021): A highly themed attraction based on the two "Tron" sci-fi films is on its way to Tomorrowland. Like the hugely popular ride at Shanghai Disneyland, passengers will board Lightcycle-styled trains and experience Disney’s fastest, and arguably most thrilling, roller coaster. Disney

Walt Disney World: Guardians of the Galaxy coaster (Opening date: 2021): You’ll be able to join Star-Lord and his ragtag intergalactic gang on an airtime-filled adventure in Epcot. Disney says the attraction will be one of the world’s longest indoor coasters and will include an innovative ride system. Disney

Walt Disney World: Ratatouille attraction
(Opening date: 2021): Ooh la la. Based on the Pixar film, Ratatouille, passengers will shrink to the size of an escargot and go on a journey with Remy through Gusteau's restaurant in Epcot's France pavilion. Disney

Walt Disney World: 50th anniversary celebration
(Announced launch date: 2021): The resort will undoubtedly present a big blowout to mark its half-century milestone. All of the attractions and developments listed here should be good to go for the anniversary, with some of the openings planned to coincide with the celebration. David Roark, Disney

Disneyland Resort: Fourth hotel (Opening date: 2021): A new 700-room hotel is on its way to the Disneyland Resort. It will be located next to the classic Disneyland Hotel and will feature a platform for the Disneyland Monorail inside its lobby. Disney

Disney Cruise Line: Three new ships (Announced launch dates: 2021, 2022, and 2023): Disney’s fleet of four ships will expand to seven with the introduction of three new vessels. They will each include about 1,250 staterooms, which will make them roughly the same capacity as the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream, the cruise line’s two largest ships now sailing. Disney

Tokyo Disney Resort: Frozen land (Opening date: By 2022): The Tokyo Disney Resort is building a new “port” in its Tokyo DisneySea park that will welcome three new micro-lands. The total cost for the expansion project is pegged at $2.3 billion. One of the lands will be themed to "Frozen" and will feature a boat ride about Anna and Elsa along with a restaurant inside Arendelle Castle. Disney

Tokyo Disney Resort: Tangled land
(Opening date: By 2022): Rapunzel’s tower will draw visitors to an area devoted to Disney’s animated film, "Tangled." An attraction using gondola vehicles will transport riders to a lantern festival. Disney

Tokyo Disney Resort: Peter Pan Never Land
(Opening date: By 2022): The new port will also welcome a Peter Pan-themed area and tell the iconic tale with two new attractions. One will use 3D imagery to soar above Never Land, while the other will immerse guests in Tinker Bell’s home, Pixie Hollow. There will also be a Lost Boys-inspired restaurant. Disney

Walt Disney World: Disney Skyliner gondolas
(Opening date: TBA): Disney World’s existing modes of transportation, including monorails, ferries, and buses, can get very crowded. A new gondola system, which will link Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Disney’s Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and new Disney Riviera will help ease some of the congestion and offer a fun way to get around the resort. Disney

Disneyland Paris Resort: New Marvel, Frozen, and Star Wars lands (Opening date: TBA): The Avengers-themed coaster will anchor an entire Marvel land. It will be part of a $2.4 billion expansion of Disneyland Paris Resort that will also bring new lands based on "Star Wars" and the animated blockbuster, "Frozen." Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland: New castle (Opening date: TBA): As with the Disneyland Paris Resort, Disney is planning to invest beaucoup bucks (reportedly $1.4 million) into a major, multi-year expansion at its Hong Kong property. As part of the changes, the park’s centerpiece icon is being upgraded from the comparatively diminutive Sleeping Beauty Castle (which was based on the original castle in California) to a larger, grander, and more unique palace. Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland: Frozen land (Opening date: TBA): As part of the massive expansion at Hong Kong Disneyland, visitors will be able to engage in some Frozen-themed fun. A new land based on the film will welcome guests to the mythical kingdom of Arendelle and will include rides and dining experiences. Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland: New Ant-Man and The Wasp ride (Opening: TBA):
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters closed to make way for a re-themed ride based on the size-changing Marvel heroes, Ant-Man and The Wasp. Instead of blasting Toy Story’s Evil Emperor Zurg, passengers will battle Arnim Zola and Hydra bots. Disney

Hong Kong Disneyland: Marvel land (Opening date: TBA): Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland already has an Iron Man Experience ride and has one featuring Ant-Man and The Wasp in the works. The park will be getting a dedicated Marvel land, however, that will encompass those rides and introduce additional superhero attractions. Disney

Hello and goodbye

After almost 20 years of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, the nighttime spectacular at Epcot will end its longtime run in 2019.

However, a new nighttime attraction will replace IllumiNations at World Showcase Lagoon, but the Disney team is mum on what that will be. Disney fans should know the new show will keep true to the original vision of the park and will be part of the park’s exciting evolution, Disney said in a news release.

The Force

Storm Troopers, Jedis and perhaps a few characters from the dark side are assembling for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Set to open in fall 2019, "Star Wars land" features character encounters with Kylo Ren, Chewbacca and BB-8, and other "Star Wars"-themed entertainment. Merchandise-wise, expect a ton of light sabers throughout the park and far-out Star Wars merch.

A Walt Disney World Resort Star Wars-themed hotel also is in the works, but no opening date has been set yet.